Over a ton of plasticine would be any child’s delight. But for Cambridge sculptor Edward Waites this is the first step in making a monumental horse head, which he will be exhibiting at the Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot.
“Once I find a buyer it will be turned into bronze,” says Edward (27). “It’s still in its raw state as I'm still working on it. The head is over 1.3 tons of plasticine on a steel armature and has taken five months so far to create and I’m still working on it.”
Edward has exhibited at The Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot for the last three years on the trot. “It’s a huge privilege being able to show my work at both events. They are two big public occasions attended by the Queen and draw in massive crowds. I’ve done these for the last few years and they have been working well for me to connect directly with clients and show what I do live on site.”
Edward’s work has earned him international recognition and acclaim at a young age. Best known for his representation of the animal form using his own unique and recognised style, he works in clay and casts in bronze and silver, in limited editions. His aim is to capture their presence and character; emphasising muscle, sinew, energy and movement. Edward’s work ranges from small to life-size pieces and commissions for private and corporate clients. His sculpture is collected worldwide with both public and private collections in the UK and internationally, including a number of Royal Families around the world.
Soon after starting his professional career Edward has worked very closely with the foundry in Suffolk that casts most of his work. "From day one I have worked with a hands-on approach in terms of producing my work in metal and have built a positive relationship with the foundry-man with whom I work," says Edward. "The process is highly skilled and time consuming so the finished article takes months to create and each individual piece is bespoke in this age-old lost wax casting process." Notable collections and commissions: Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, The Ruling Family of Dubai, Lord Anthony and Lady Bamford, Bhartia Family, Ivan Massow and Ben De Lisi.
